Luis Suarez could be snapped up for £40million at the end of the season – after it emerged the striker has a release clause in his contract, writes the Sunday People.

The news gives new hope to Chelsea and Manchester City as they move for the Liverpool star.

Kop boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate to keep hold of the Uruguayan and the player has said he is committed to trying to help them back into the Champions League.

But his value was quoted at £50million when City’s interest was reported recently – and it is now thought Suarez could leave for less than that.

It’s an intriguing situation Liverpool will want to play down. But whispers have been coming out of Anfield about the £40million trigger, and sources close to the player have confirmed to Sunday People Sport a clause does exist.

If such a clause does indeed exist then Liverpool may have ever reason to be concerned that Luis Suarez’s excellent form this term will persuade any number of clubs to meet the asking price and this source believes big spenders Chelsea and Manchester City are ready to make their interest known.

The 25 year old former Ajax forward is Liverpool’s only effective goal-scoring weapon and currently leads the Premier League top scorers list despite the Merseyside club’s off colour start to the campaign. Brendan Rodgers will hope that he doesn’t see his star performer sold but he must be concerned that such a deal could become a possibility if Liverpool fail to make ground on a top four race.

Chelsea would appear to be in more dire need of fresh firepower as currently the West London side over-relies on misfiring Spaniard Fernando Torres, whereas Roberto Mancini has four top notch strikers; Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli, and only Man United have scored more Premier League goals this season.

Liverpool wisely spent £22.8m to land Suarez in January 2011 and he hasn’t disappointed, scoring 34 goals in 70 appearances in all competitions whilst becoming something of a fan favourite with the club’s supporters in the process.